Lemon Curd Recipe with Pictures

Lemon Curd Picture

Lemon curd is simple to make and will store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Use this filling in pies, for lemon bars, or as a filling for lemon cookies. | Source

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Lemon Curd: A Tart Filling

Fruit curds are creamy spreads made from fruit, egg yolks, sugar, zest, and fruit juice. In England, lemon curd is a traditional accompaniment to scones at tea. Since curd does not keep as long as jams, most homemade versions are made in small quantities. Unfortunately, many people resort to purchasing industrially manufactured curds, which contain artificial preservatives and colors to prolong shelf life. Lemon curd is easy to make at home, and can be stored for up to a week in the refrigerator. Make your own curd recipe and avoid the artificial additives in the store-bought version!

Lemon curd is used in many desserts: this tart custard is used in lemon meringue pie, as a filling in cookies, and in trifles. Try using it as a base in a fruit tart: fill a small tart shell with lemon curd and top with thin slices of strawberries, whole blueberries, and currants.

The custard will keep for up to two weeks in the fridge, and is a simple recipe to prepare in advance. Simply place the custard in a bowl and cover with cling wrap, allowing the cling wrap to settle on the surface of the lemon curd. Do not suspend the cling wrap above the filling, as moisture droplets will form on the surface of the plastic wrap and drop back into the custard.

Add the butter and whisk constantly until it has melted and incorporates into the custard mixture. Bring to a simmer.

Pour the custard into a bowl for storage, or into a baked and cooled pie crust (if using the custard for lemon meringue pie). Cover the lemon curd with plastic wrap, taking care to lay the wrap on the surface of the lemon curd.

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Leah Lefler 5 years agofrom Western New York

Oh, scones are the best - my favorite are the lemon-blueberry scones. I'll have to try lemon curd with them, as I've never had that particular combination before! Thanks for your comment, lindacee!

lindacee 5 years agofrom Arizona

I love lemon curd with scones! I've tried pre-made varieties and wasn't impressed -- plus you brought up the issue of preservatives and artificial colors. Yuk! Yours is a much better alternative. Thanks for publishing this great recipe and beautiful photos, Leah!

Author

Leah Lefler 5 years agofrom Western New York

This version of lemon curd isn't too tart, Simone - I actually really like lemon flavored things (including extremely sour versions), but this curd recipe is pretty mellow. It works wonderfully for a lemon meringue pie!

Author

Leah Lefler 5 years agofrom Western New York

Lemon curd can keep safely for a couple of weeks in the fridge, which is a timesaver, teaches! I really love being able to make things in advance!

Simone Haruko Smith 5 years agofrom San Francisco

Until just a couple years back, I did not like citrusy sweets, but then I discovered just how lovely and tart they are! This lemon curd sounds like just my sort of filling. Thanks for the beautiful recipe!

Dianna Mendez 5 years ago

I think this is such a great save for those who use it in cooking. The fact that it can be kept up to two weeks is also a cost saver. Thanks for sharing.

Author

Leah Lefler 5 years agofrom Western New York

I love lemon meringue pie, Peggy - we make it on a regular basis in the summer! I'm a huge fan of anything with lemon in it - I love that vitamin C, haha!

Peggy Woods 5 years agofrom Houston, Texas

I like the idea of eating things that are not loaded with preservatives. Will keep this recipe in mind. It certainly sounds easy! My favorite pie was lemon meringue. Haven't had a slice in years! My mother used to make a delicious one as it was her father's favorite as well. Voted up and useful. Thanks!

Author

Leah Lefler 5 years agofrom Western New York

It is actually pretty easy to make, Letitia - though you do need a decent amount of lemon juice (which is fairly expensive where we live)! I wish we lived in a climate that allowed us to grow lemon trees!

LetitiaFT 5 years agofrom Paris via California

I've been wanting to try lemon curd but it always seemed a little daunting. You make it look pretty easy here. I think maybe I'll try it after all!